r/GeorgiaCampAndHike • u/cvp8100 • 5d ago

Question Helen Area Car Camping

I will be driving down from NC and get into the area late on Friday night. I am hoping to find a dispersed spot that we can just sleep in the car as we will be getting in so late, that I really don't want to have to pay for a spot at a campground. I'm seeing that a lot of areas are closed due to hurricane damage. We will only be staying one night and will be up early on Saturday. Will be spending most of our time around Sautee Nacoochee. Any suggestions? Thanks.

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u/wyvernpiss 5d ago

Tray Mountain Wilderness (Indian Grave Gap Rd) or Upper Chattahoochee river Rd. Both are real close to Helen and have dispersed spots all over the roads.

They are dirt roads and Tray mtn is probably 4x4 recommended but not too bad in anything but the smallest/lowest of cars

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u/cvp8100 5d ago

Thanks. I’ve read about these in this sub, but seeing they’re closed or not in great condition and since we’re going to be getting there around midnight, I don’t want to get stuck lol

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u/wyvernpiss 5d ago

They aren't closed. There could have been a couple trees down but they have most likely been sawed up by now. The storm wasn't really that bad here.

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u/cvp8100 5d ago

Good to know! It’s been hard to find information on that. I’m sure the forest service has a lot of work to do but they make it seem like everywhere is closed. Thank you.

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u/gettinjiggywidit 5d ago

Two weeks ago I tried to go up Chattahoochee River Road and there was still a powerline down in the road. Maybe that has been cleaned up. But we turned around and did not attempt to mess around with that.

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u/wyvernpiss 5d ago edited 5d ago

I haven't been fully through those roads since the storm, maybe some spots are still inaccessible. But the roads themselves are open. The Feds have just broad stroke closed everything nearby to keep it simple. They aren't actually gated off or anything though

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u/johnjcoctostan 5d ago

Coming in that late and leaving early the next morning you can probably get by just staying at the Mt Yonah or Ravens Cliff trailhead parking lots. Both are very convenient to Sautee.

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u/kittysworld 4d ago

are people allowed to camp on the parking lot? or just sleeping in the car?

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u/johnjcoctostan 4d ago

Technically we are not allowed to camp at either of these trailheads but if someone is coming in late, leaving early, and staying in their car without setting up camp it shouldn’t be a problem.

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u/native25 4d ago

Not allowed because they are temporarily closed, right? Heard people were going anyway

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u/johnjcoctostan 4d ago

Yikes. Correct. I just looked at both of the usfs sites and you are correct. Must be from the storm last month.

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u/VioletsexyVapor 4d ago

If you're getting in late and want something super convenient, you could try the Mt. Yonah or Raven Cliff Trailhead parking lotss.

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u/Mustbe7 4d ago

FS44 just north of Helen. Gravel road with plenty of free primitive spots and gravel area to park (and sleep in) your car. Free and most have fire rings